Nepal Tourism Board

Press Release

Kathmandu, September 27, 2012

The Government of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Private Sector, which form a tripod of the Nepalese tourism industry, celebrated the 33^rd UNWTO World Tourism Day on September 27, 2012 amidst a grand function graced by the presence of Honorable Tourism Minister Mr. Post Bahadur Bogati, dignitaries from tourism sectors, governmental officials and media representatives of Nepal at the premise of Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu.

Addressing the function, the HonorableMr. Post Bahadur Bogati, who serves as Nepal´s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, said, ¨Since tourism has been earmarked as a priority for the country, the government is making policy departures in opening some of the previously restricted areas and in encouraging foreign investment in tourism in Nepal."

Speaking in the same program, Officiating Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board, Mr. Kashi Raj Bhandari, focused on the context of the  UNWTO´s tourism slogan of this year: 'Tourism and Sustainable Energy-Powering Sustainable Development.' Mr. Bhandari noted that in countries like Nepal which are facing energy crises, service providers should be encouraged to "economize the consumption of fossil energy as well as hydro-electricity and maximize the use of renewable energy for sustainable development of the  tourism industry".

As a symbolic gesture for the promotion of sustainable energy and in the spirit of the UNWTO slogan that buttresses the UN campaign for this year, "Sustainable Energy for All," a solar panel was installed in the NTB premise on the same occasion.

In addition, several programs were organized all over the nation to coincide with the event. Some of the important programs were as follows:

• A tourism stakeholder rally at Thamel, a World Heritage Monument in Kathmandu Durbar Square
• The launch of the "Alkapuri (abode of gods in Hindu mythology) Heritage Trail" in Kathmandu Metropolitan City
• Cultural programmes organized by the ethnic community, Jyapu Maha Guthi
• Patan Festival, Thamel and Pokhara Mini Street Festivals
• A " Blood Donation Program¨ organized by Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agency (NATTA)
• An exhibition of traditional but disappearing musical instruments at Tistung, in the central part of the country
• A number of interaction programs on tourism, held across the nation
• The welcoming of tourists with traditional cultural gestures at all entry points of Nepal
• The organization of a cycle Rally named as "Eco-Ride" in the Central Region of Nepal with an aim to promote ecotourism/sustainable tourism.

Related to: World Tourism Day